Door not locking? If you’re having problems trying to lock your door, your key is stuck or your key is hard to turn in the lock, we have the expertise to help. There are a number of issues that you might have with locking your door and we have the expertise to help.
“Help! I Can’t Lock My Door!”
Door not locking? If you’re having problems trying to lock your door, your key is stuck or your key is hard to turn in the lock, we have the expertise to help. There are a number of issues that you might have with locking your door. Here are some common ones and their likely causes below:
Wooden Doors With Deadlock / Sash Lock
Warping – Sometimes due to very poor weather conditions the door/frame can warp. This can stop the locking points engaging the keeps, therefore preventing the door from locking! This is usually a quick and simple problem to fix.
Broken Key – Keys generally break in locks because of too much force having been applied to them. All of our engineers have specialist equipment to cut various types of keys on site
Key Stuck In Lock – If your key is stuck in the lock then it’s best to call us as soon as you can. If you use too much force trying to remove the key yourself, it’s possible that your key may snap or break inside the lock cylinder. We do not recommend forcing the key out of your lock as it can snap the key, but if you must: ensure you pull it directly out rather than twisting it. Twisting it could cause it to break.
Key Is Hard To Turn Or Won’t Go In The Lock – Don’t force the key! Forcing it could break the key in the lock. It’s possible that there is an issue with the Lock Cylinder. Debris or Ice from cold weather may be causing problems with the cylinder or you might simply be using the wrong key!
Faulty Lock – The internal mechanism could be broken or worn. Our engineers carry the necessary replacement parts to repair most locks.
All locks can be fitted or upgraded to British Standard to meet insurance specifications.
Cylinder Night Latch
Warped Door or Frame – If your door is unable to lock due to warping in the door or frame, it may be possible to simply adjust the strike plate to solve this issue without having to replace the lock.
Key Not Working – Have you had a new key cut recently as a replacement or spare? It could have been poorly cut, causing this issue. Or maybe you’ve had a new cylinder fitted in your lock? If the spindle has been cut too short, it could also be the root of this problem. If you have a night latch with a deadlock, you may have to give your key an extra turn to unlock the door. Another possibility for this is that the internal snib may have engaged, we have specialist tools to fix this. Or it may not key but the cylinder that has a fault or is worn.
No matter what is causing this issue – do not force the key! Always double check you are using the right key and give us a call to get to the bottom of the issue.
UPVC Doors
Door has Dropped – It is not uncommon for UPVC doors experiencing dropping in their frame, which leads to a misalignment with the lock mechanism. This can lead to the door being difficult to open or close. This a fairly quick fix as UPVC doors are adjustable by design.
Note that if the lock works fine when the door is open, then an adjustment is needed but if there is still difficulty locking it then it is more likely a mechanical issues and the lock may need repaired.
Faulty Euro Cylinder – Problems with the key cylinder can usually be fixed through replacing the cylinder and giving you a new key without the need to change the full mechanism.
Faulty Mechanism – If there is a problem with the locking mechanism in your UPVC door this may be solved by changing the gearbox of the lock or replacing the full mechanism.
If you have a UPVC door problems can arise due to changes in the weather. As the temperatures rise and cool there are a number of issues that may appear such as being unable to open or lock your door, it sticking or stiffing in its frame making it difficult to open or close, or difficulty turning or removing your key. These are often caused by shrinkage or expansion of your UPVC door. Often these issues will pass without lasting damage once the weather has cooled or warmed, you can help this along by using cold water in the warmer weather on your door to help it come back into shape and warm water for the same job in winter. However any of these problems are causing security issues for your home then call us and we will be able to use our expertise to ensure your home is secure.
Composite Doors
Warping – It is rare to experience issues with composite doors, but very occasionally they can warp making the door difficult to close and creating draughts. If your door is still under warranty contact your supplier and they will be able to deal with this for you.
It is a good habit to ensure that you connect the multipoint locking system, the hooks, whenever you close your door as this will help prevent the door from warping in the frame.
Faulty Euro Cylinder – If you experience a fault with the cylinder in your door, this can be replaced.
Faulty Mechanism – As with UPVC doors it may be possible to simply replace the gearbox, however the full mechanism may have to be replaced under certain circumstances.